Work officially commences on Palmerston's new $300m Gateway Shopping Centre

THE first stages of Palmerston's new $300 million Gateway Shopping Centre are on track to open in 2016, after construction on the project officially commenced last week with Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles turning the first sod.

Development approval has been given to Coombes Property Group to build the 30,000 square metre Gateway Shopping Centre on the corner of the Stuart Highway, Yarrawonga Road and Roystonea Avenue, which is expected to support around 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment Peter Chandler said the Gateway development fits in with the government's land release program. Earlier this year, the government launched its 'Bringing on Territory Land Release' plan to deliver 6,500 new dwellings across the Territory.

"Part of that plan was major residential developments in Berrimah Farm and Holtze. The Gateway Shopping Centre will provide some of the services needed to support these new communities and the existing residents of Palmerston," Mr Chandler said.

"This is the second large project to be announced in Palmerston in recent months which is a major confidence boost for the region.

"There are two suburbs under construction and two more on the way. Work has begun on the Palmerston Regional Hospital and two new schools being designed, it's an exciting time to be in Palmerston."

Coombes director Michael Coombes told News Limited that the new shopping centre will be a landmark development that will encourage further development around Palmerston.

Upon completion, the centre is expected to feature a Woolworths supermarket, Big W discount department store and Event Cinemas, as well as a restaurant precinct and a food court.